Katherine was born in Killen, Texas on Fort Hood in 1996. Her Father was in the Army for 20 years. During his time of service that meant the family moved around. She has lived in Texas, Florida, Washington and Kansas all before the age of 12.
The different landscapes and forms of nature from these very different locations influence her work. While growing up she spent a lot of time outside and in nature. Filling her free time with hikes and crafting.
Being in Kansas since 2007; living in Hutchinson and various houses in Wichita. They Finally settled outside of Valley Center, KS. She graduated from Valley Center High School in May 2015. Where she assisted the start of the Valley Center Annual Art Show. She was also an active participate in the Valley Center High School Marching Band, Captain of the VC Color Guard 2013-2015. While attending Valley Center she had supportive teachers that made her more interested in art. She applied to a books and tuition scholarship for Art at Butler Community College. She received the book and tuition scholarship from Butler Community College.
She attend the fall of 2015. Starting as a Chemistry Major switching to an Art Major when I discovered Glaze Chemistry. Ceramics is applied Chemistry with Art involved. While attending Butler she also learned other studio arts like drawing, painting, and design. She also worked with the schools E.B. White Gallery. Where she learned how to install art in a gallery setting. Graduating with her Associates in Art May 2017.
Fall 2017 she started attending Wichita State University School of Art, Design, and Creative Industries. Being accepted into the Ceramic Department at mid-program review she mostly worked on sculptural forms while trying everything else she could. During her time at Wichita State University she has been in three different roles for the WSU Ceramics Guild; Public Relations (2017-2018), Secretary (2018-2019), and the President of the guild (2019-2021).
In May 2020 she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Studio Arts with an Emphasis in Ceramic from Wichita State University. Stay at Wichita State University an additional year as a post-baccalaureate.
Still residing in the Wichita, KS. She is establishing her own studio practice and teaching practice. Working ceramic studio in Wichita, KS developing KatSmalls Studio. She is also teaching Youth and Clay classes at CityArts in Oldtown, Wichita. She assists with the art installation and is an Administrative Associate at CityArts too.
